406 Theology

This is a podcast run by Rev. Benjamin Melli, who lives in the Flathead Valley, Montana. The purpose is to provide content for those interested in theology and Biblical Christianity. There will be interviews, book reviews, sermons and random other projects. If you have any questions or critiques feel free too reach out!

Acts 3: The Author of Life 05/11/2026

Acts 3: The Author of Life Peter explains the healing of a lame man at the entrance of the Temple to a crowd who is in near disbelief. How can a lame man walk from faith in Jesus as the Christ? Moments like this, and the preaching that accompanied these miracles, was how the gospel spread throughout Jerusalem. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/41247925

Acts 2: The Holy Spirit 05/04/2026

Acts 2: The Holy Spirit /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/41144030

Acts 1: The Story Continues 04/27/2026

Acts 1: The Story Continues This is a Monday Morning After segement of the sermon that was supposed to be recorded on Sunday. Acts contians the story of the continual ministry of Jesus through the Spirit. Acts 1 serves as the bridge between the gospel account of Luke and Luke's recording of the growth of the Church. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/41033765

Luke 24: "Peace be with you" 04/22/2026

Luke 24: "Peace be with you" Jesus finally appears to the disciples at the end of the day of His resurrection. The women who entered the tomb had already found it vacant, and the disciples on the road to Emmaus had already encountered the Lord. They raced back to the other apostles and disciples and had reported what had happened. Now, Luke records that Jesus himself appears in all their midst. He then leads the greatest Bible study they had ever encountered as they were finally able to understand from the Old Testament His life, death, and resurrection. Peace is found in Jesus, and this confidence they will need as they lead the church forward. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40969855

Luke 24: "The prophets witness, or On the road to Emmaus" 04/13/2026

Luke 24: "The prophets witness, or On the road to Emmaus" Luke records the first physical sighting of the resurrrected Jesus as being on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. We know from other gospels that Jesus had appeard to Mary as she was leaving the tomb, (gospel of John), but Luke records the interaction between to disciples and Jesus as He explains the mystery of his death and resurrection from the Old Testament. This interpretation of the O.T. is vital for the church going forward as they follow Jesus and the church expands to all the corners of the earth. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40832715

Easter 2026: Luke 24:1-12, "He is risen, He is not here." 04/06/2026

Easter 2026: Luke 24:1-12, "He is risen, He is not here." All gospel writers include the bodily death and resurrection of Jesus. Yet, all the gospel writers include certain details and timelines in order to communicate their purpose. Luke, for the first time in His gospel, does not include Jesus in this text but rather His disciples coming to the point of needing faith in order to follow. That is the question Luke poses to us, will we have faith given what we have been presented. He is indeed risen, but will that lead your heart to faith and obedience? /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40745665

Luke 19 pt. 2: Palm Sunday, or The Noble Man returns 03/31/2026

Luke 19 pt. 2: Palm Sunday, or The Noble Man returns Jesus had previously told a parable of a noble man who went away and came back to his home to find some faithful servants and at least one unfaithful servant. Luke uses Jesus return to Jerusalem as a tangible illustration of this parable. In a sense the trip from the Mt. of Olives to Jerusalem shows us the noble King returning to find His servants either worshipping Him, or disgruntled. What kind of servants would He find? What kind of servants will He find when He returns again? /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40684580

Luke 19 pt. 1: The Ten Minas 03/31/2026

Luke 19 pt. 1: The Ten Minas This parable is taught right after Jesus encounters a blind man on the road to Jericho as well as interacting with a repentent sinner Zacchaeus. The parable describes faithful servants of Jesus even when he's not around. This parable gives us a picture of how the Kingdom of God grows through our efforts, even beyond our expectations. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40684520

Luke 17: The Already and Not Yet 03/17/2026

Luke 17: The Already and Not Yet The Kingdom of God has been inagurated with the arrival, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. But it is not yet complete until he comes again to establish his eternal Kingdom. So how are we to live in the meantime. Jesus gives us some principles to. live by in the between. Luke gives us a glance into this conversation between the disciples and Jesus in which we are told how we should live. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40515795

The Prodigal Son 03/10/2026

The Prodigal Son Luke 15 records Jesus teaching three parables to two very different kinds of people. The first would be considered classic sinners, those who follow self fullfillment through hedonism and accumulation of wealth. The other were the religious types, who questioned why Jesus would meet with the previous types. Jesus then tells them how they are both far from the Father's house, but are both invited come to come home. What would it take for both of them? This is a sermon preached on what it really means to be loss, and seperated from the Fathers house. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40384265

Luke 12: Barnes, Birds, and Blossoms (What should we worry about) 02/24/2026

Luke 12: Barnes, Birds, and Blossoms (What should we worry about) What should disciples of Jesus be concerned with? What should dominate our hearts anxieties? Jesus has a clear yet profound answer, "Kingdom of God". What is the use of being concerned about the materialism of our day when it cannot actually satisfy you? The Kingdom of God will provide for what our hearts actually want and need. This teaching is taken from Luke chapter 12. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40218980

Luke 10: "Joy in the Right Thing" 02/17/2026

Luke 10: "Joy in the Right Thing" In becoming a diciple, one who follows Jesus, there needs to be reorientation in our hearts. This change comes in finding joy in what really matters in the midst of experiencing the joys and pain of every day life. In chapter 10 of Luke's gospel Jesus sends out this disciples, seventy two of them, and reframes their experience of joy and sucess in ministry around what really matters. Disciples need to rejoice that their names are recorded in heaven, not just on earthly circumstances. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40138930

Luke 9: "Learning to the Way" 02/09/2026

Luke 9: "Learning to the Way" The disciples were commissioned to go and spread the good news and do acts of mercy, but were they ready? This passage shows us that Jesus calls us to a continual obedience, a learning the way of discipleship, not as a means of salvation, but as a growing into maturity. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/40046225

Luke 7: Portraits of Faith 02/04/2026

Luke 7: Portraits of Faith In this sermon we see Luke showing us examples of those pursuing the Kingdom of God by faith in Jesus Christ. The examples come from the most unexpected sources, a Roman Centurion, and a sinful woman. Faithfulness for Jesus consists of a humble confidence in His authority over the world and our sin. He has the authority to grant forgivenss and bring to life those who are physically and spiritually unwell. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39998750

Luke 6: The Sermon on the Plain 01/28/2026

Luke 6: The Sermon on the Plain In Luke 6 we Jesus preparing his apostles, along with other disciples, to live in the Kingdom of God. The ethical code, values, and culture of His Kingdom will be drastically different from any other kingdoms this world has. What can we learn to apply to our own lives today from what Jesus has to say? This sermon was preached at First Prestbyerian Church in Whitefish, MT. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39913865

The Authority of Jesus: Luke 4 & 5 01/20/2026

The Authority of Jesus: Luke 4 & 5 This sermon is from Luke 4 & 5 which tells of the authority Jesus had and still has. Luke gives us a few stories which put together a picture of the extent of Jesus' authority. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39802665

Luke 4:14-28 "The Spirit of the Lord was on Him" 01/14/2026

Luke 4:14-28 "The Spirit of the Lord was on Him" This sermon explores Luke's telling of the beginning of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. While Jesus had already had a strong presence in and around Capernaum, Luke uses this story in the home town of Jesus to epitomize the crowds reaction. Some were amazed, others wanted to kill him. What does this story tell us about the ministry of Jesus, and what does that mean for us today? /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39730800

Sermon: Luke 3 "The Holy Spirit and Fire" 01/06/2026

Sermon: Luke 3 "The Holy Spirit and Fire" This is a sermon which was preached at First Presbyterian Church in Whitefish. Luke gives us a picture of the ministry of John the Baptist as he tells us what repentance and forgiveness of sins looks like in Christianity. It is through repentance, turning from our sins, and trusting in the person of Jesus that we find forgiveness and payment for sin. This sermon tells us why this is such good news for us. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39633040

Christmas Eve: He Is Making His Kingdom 12/26/2025

Christmas Eve: He Is Making His Kingdom This sermon is from Luke 2:1-20 which contains the Christmas narrative. Unlike the gospel writer Matthew, whose perspective is from Joseph, Herod, and the Wise men from other nations, Luke tells the story from the eyes of Mary and Ceasar Agustus. This gives us insight into which kingdom is truly going to bring about prosperity and peace. The King born in a stable vs. the Roman Ceasar, the Kingdom of God vs. the kingdom of man. Whose kingdom will you seek and worship? /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39537500

God is Love: Fourth Sunday of Advent 12/26/2025

God is Love: Fourth Sunday of Advent God is love. His love is displayed in His faithfulness and compassion toward His people, specifically in His plan of redemption. This sermon is the fourth in Advent and taken from Zechariah's song at the end of Luke ch. 1. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39537470

Sermon: Luke 1: "The King of Peace" 12/09/2025

Sermon: Luke 1: "The King of Peace" The birth of Jesus is told through Mary's eyes in the first two chapters of Luke. This sermon is about the theme of Peace which comes with the King, Jesus. Gabriel announces to Mary that she will have a son who will be King of a Kingdom that has no end. We are left with this questionm, "How does this news provide peace for us?" /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39332365

Malachi 3:16-4:5: "Healing in His Wings" 11/24/2025

Malachi 3:16-4:5: "Healing in His Wings" This is a sermon preached at First Presbyterian Church in Whitfish MT. Have you ever seen people living lives in complete disregard of God and it seems like they're having more fun than you are? What is the point of serving a God if evil is allowed to flourish, and wickedness is not punished? It's easy to feel like God does not really care about how we live, especially when we serve Him and seem to reap no bennifit. Malachi's audience had the same thought. This sermon reassures us that God still very much cares about His people and reminds us that He is still working out of His timing. In this we rest assured, there will be a day of reckogning, God will honor those who honor Him. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39144020

Sermon on Malachi 2:17-3:1: God's Justice 11/18/2025

Sermon on Malachi 2:17-3:1: God's Justice This episode is a sermon preached at First Presbyterian church in Whitefish, MT. In this sermon, Malachi addresses the concern of his audience that God's justice will manifest it'self. The problem with his audience is that they think God's justice does not apply to them as well. Malachi has a sobering reminder that God's justice shows no partiality and all will come before the Lord. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/39073440

Sermon Zechariah 13:1-7: "Strike the Shepherd" 10/27/2025

Sermon Zechariah 13:1-7: "Strike the Shepherd" Sermon preached at First Presbyterian Church in Whitefish, MT. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/38797965

Sermon: Zechariah 9:9-13 "Behold Your King" 10/13/2025

Sermon: Zechariah 9:9-13 "Behold Your King" Sermon preached at First Presbyterian Church in Whitefish, MT. In this sermon we look at Zechariah's description of the King who is to come and rescue His people. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/38568325

The Monday Morning After: Zechariah 9:9-13 10/13/2025

The Monday Morning After: Zechariah 9:9-13 This is a Monday morning review of the sermon preached at First Presbyterian church in Whitefish, MT. These episodes focus more on the Bible study that goes into the sermon. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/38568240

Zechariah 6:9-15: Kingly Priest 10/13/2025

Zechariah 6:9-15: Kingly Priest Sermon preached at First Presbyterian church in Whitefish on Zechariah 6. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/38568115

The Morning After: Zechariah 3 09/29/2025

The Morning After: Zechariah 3 This episode is part of the "Morning After" series which furthers the commentary on the sermon preached the previous day. This episode's focus is on Zechariah 3. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/38399840

Sermon Zechariah 3: "the hope of cleanliness" 09/29/2025

Sermon Zechariah 3: "the hope of cleanliness" Sermon preached at First Presbyterian Church in Whitefish, MT. Zechariah shows us his vision of how God cleanses his people, making them righteous. This is combined with his plan to do so through a Messiah who will bring reconciliation between God and mankind. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/38399800

The Morning After: Zechariah 1:7-17 09/22/2025

The Morning After: Zechariah 1:7-17 "The morning after" is a segment where I review, on Monday, the sermon I preached the previous day, on a Sunday. This episode reviews Zechariah 1:7-17, the vision of the horseman and the hope God gives His people to continue to be in their midst. I hope you enjoy. /episode/index/show/f76520bb-c9bd-4a36-8acc-81af5b7308be/id/38317070

406 Theology

TOPICS